Free self-guided walk · Chicago

Millennium Park and the Riverwalk

A free self-guided walk through downtown Chicago, from Cloud Gate in Millennium Park along Michigan Avenue to the Chicago Riverwalk.

Distance
2 km
Walking time
26 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsChicago city guide

About this walk

This walk links Chicago's best-known park with its riverside, past landmark skyscrapers.

Look up: the buildings are the main attraction.

  • Terrain: Flat and paved.
  • Best time: Daytime, or a summer evening on the river.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Cloud Gate

    Start at 'the Bean' in Millennium Park.

  2. Crown Fountain

    The video fountain of faces.

  3. Art Institute of Chicago

    The museum's lion-guarded entrance.

  4. Chicago Cultural Center

    Free, with a Tiffany glass dome.

  5. DuSable Bridge

    Cross the river on Michigan Avenue.

  6. Chicago Riverwalk

    Finish on the walkway by the river.

Tips

  • The Cultural Center's dome is free to see.
  • Dress for wind off the lake.
  • River architecture cruises leave from near the bridge.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.